国际英语新闻：Gul says consensus gov't is a priority for Palestinians

ANKARA, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- Turkish President Abdullah Gul said on Saturday that formation of a "government of reconciliation" for Palestinians was an issue with priority.

    Gul made such remarks at a press conference after meeting with the visiting Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas here, saying that an independent Palestinian state should be founded on its own territory in order to achieve a permanent peace in the region, and reconciliation between Fatah and Hamas was an unavoidable precondition for establishment of their country.

Turkish President Abdullah Gul (R) shakes hands with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ankara, capital of Turkey, Feb. 7, 2009

 "The Palestinian cause could only become strong again if a consensus government was formed in the country," said Gul, adding that he discussed with Abbas the presence of two separate states for Palestinians is impossible. The Arab and Islam world should act in unity.

    He also noted that U.S.'s support and contribution was of great importance for establishing peace between Palestinians and Israel.

    Meanwhile, The president said that the removal of the embargo on Gaza, rapid delivery of humanitarian aid to the region and reconstruction of the whole city were the most urgent actions that should be taken in Palestinian territories currently.

Turkish President Abdullah Gul (R) holds a joint press conference with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ankara, capital of Turkey, Feb. 7, 2009

For his part, Abbas thanked Turkey for its efforts to find a solution to Gaza conflict and to the Palestinian issue in general, highlighting importance of ensuring a national compromise among Palestinian groups and formation of a consensus government.

    Abbas said he agreed that Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), the cornerstone of the Palestinian National Authority (PNA), needed a reform.

    However, trying to eliminate the organization or attempting to establish another structure would be a murder, said Abbas, adding that the PLO remains "the house of Palestinians."

    Abbas also noted that numerous groups in Palestinian territories were not currently represented within PLO, adding that rapid actions should be taken for their representation.

    "All the groups wishing to become a part of PLO should accept the organization's laws and regulations," the Palestinian top official said, "once they accept these, our doors are open to everyone."

    Several Palestinian nationalist groups, notably as Abbas's own Fatah party, make up the PLO, but Hamas is not among them.

    In addition, the president described what happened in Gaza as a murder, calling on the international community to speed up delivery of humanitarian aid to Palestinian people.

    "The blockage should be lifted and all border crossings should be opened," he added.

    On Friday, Abbas arrived in Ankara for a two day visit.

    Ankara has repeatedly stressed that ending hostilities between the Islamist movement Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, and Abbas's West Bank-based Fatah movement is critical if the Palestinian desire for statehood is to be realized.

    Turkey assumed an active diplomatic role during the recent war in Gaza, acting as a mediator between exiled Hamas leaders and Egyptian officials who sought a ceasefire deal.